Throughout its three generations, the BMW X1 has advanced from a rear-wheel-drive, 3 Collection–primarily based crossover into a contemporary, tech-filled compact SUV. However with that evolution comes a variety of possession experiences. On this information, we’ll break down every era of the BMW X1, despite the fact that it’s nonetheless fairly younger within the patchwork of BMW’s historical past. We’ll spotlight the commonest points to observe for and rank them by total reliability.
First Technology BMW X1 (E84)
The BMW X1’s debut era was a brief one within the US: it was solely on sale between late 2012 and 2016. It’s additionally fairly a bit totally different from the opposite X1 generations in that it’s rear-wheel drive. The truth is, being primarily based on the up to date 3 Collection of the time makes it arguably probably the most dynamically partaking X1 you may get. Powertrain choices consisted of an N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a a lot hotter N55 turbocharged inline-six. Each are typically dependable mills.
With the four-cylinder fashions (28i) you’ll need to look ahead to a timing chain recall that affected every one of these first era vehicles. Assorted oil leaks — notably one which develops across the turbocharger — are additionally considerably frequent. N55-powered vehicles will ultimately want a cost pipe and can seemingly be on their second gas pump by now. Oil filter housing gaskets and cooling methods also needs to be handled with further consideration on both powertrain. xDrive fashions are additionally extra difficult, since they’ve a switch case, which appears to be an everyday failure level for higher-mileage examples.
Exterior the driveline, the first-generation BMW X1 doesn’t have a ton of issues. This period of BMW automobiles is holding up properly when it comes to inside high quality. The most important points you’ll discover right here should not particular to the X1 and can plague most 10-15 12 months outdated automobiles. Suppose worn out buttons and armrests. The primary-gen X1 gives a stable stability of old-school BMW steering and dealing with and practicality. Whereas it isn’t probably the most dependable, it’s very seemingly probably the most enjoyable to drive.
Second Technology BMW X1 (F48)
The second era BMW X1 is unquestionably the best to buy. BMW solely supplied the US market a four-cylinder mannequin, which relied on a B46 inline-four and both front- or all-wheel drive. Fortunately, the B46 is basically the identical because the B48 engine with some slight variations in emissions controls. Keep watch over coolant and oil ranges and also you’ll seemingly be high quality with the B46. Changing the cost pipe is a good concept if you happen to’re the preventative upkeep kind, however they’re not even that large of a deal on these engines.
The F48 X1 does have a identified difficulty to look out for on the check drive: apparently, this stuff burn by engine mounts. A failing one knocks round whereas accelerating. Moreover, creaking from the rear and vibrations by the chassis when making sharp, full or near full lock is perhaps indicators that the automobile wants new rear diff fluid, and the vent line ought to be changed as properly. Word this can solely have an effect on xDrive fashions. Other than that, although, the F48 X1 is a fairly secure purchase. No inside points or electrical points are broadly sufficient reported to make them one thing to be instantly cautious of. Nevertheless, there was a B pillar recall that impacts airbag deployment. You’ll positively need to guarantee has been taken care of.
Third Technology BMW X1 (U11)
The most recent era of the BMW X1 simply got here out in 2023, so there isn’t a complete lot to say right here but. The automobile comes with a B48 inline-four irrespective of which one you purchase; though there are important mechanical enhancements within the motor for the X1 M35i xDrive mannequin to make 312 horsepower. A bigger turbocharger, bolstered crankshaft, bigger major bearings, new pistons, and a unique compression ratio make it arguably extra dependable. Nevertheless, the faster fashions can even seemingly have been pushed extra aggressively, so be sure you examine carefully earlier than taking one residence. Aside from that, the same old B48 stoutness continues right here. Be aware of oil, coolant, and cost pipe. Apparently, the U11 additionally had a B pillar recall for a really comparable airbag deployment difficulty. So, guarantee that’s taken care of.
Which BMW X1 Technology is the Most Dependable?
General, we predict the F48 BMW X1 is the most secure guess out of the bunch. However there’s a little bit of an asterisk there. The primary-gen is a much better driving expertise. And the U11 might actually show to be a extra dependable automobile over time — notably with that hotter B48 engine. As normal, bear in mind these breakdowns are common pointers and the automobile you’re might have all, none, or totally different points than those we’ve outlined right here. Get a pre-purchase inspection if you happen to aren’t positive what you’re on the lookout for — it’ll most likely prevent 1000’s.
